"This shouldn't be this hard!" Lily exclaimed, frustration lacing her voice as she sat cross-legged on her bedroom floor. Her brows furrowed in deep concentration as she searched the internet for the 'perfect gifts for your fiancé'. The articles were more click bait than anything else.
She knew that Garrett would be giving her gifts, as there were so many under the tree currently. Everything she found was either too basic or something that Garrett already had. It was two days before Christmas, and Lily was running out of time and options.
Dina, her mischievous and sarcastic wolf, couldn't resist chiming in. 'You could just sleep with him,' she teased, her voice filled with amusement.
Lily rolled her eyes and huffed in irritation at Dina. 'Shut up. You're not helping,' she retorted, trying to suppress a smile.
Dina chuckled. 'Hey, it's a valid option,' she insisted before going dormant again.
Lily's mind drifted to Adam. He was Garrett's advisor and Beta. He had always been perceptive and seemed to know Garrett better than anyone else. Hope ignited within her as she stood up, leaving her room behind.
Lily went to the living room, where she found Adam sitting comfortably on the couch, munching on a bowl of caramel popcorn. The sweet aroma wafted through the air, tempting her senses.
Adam's welcoming smile greeted her. "Hello, Luna. How are you?" he asked, his voice filled with warmth. "Would you like some? There are other festive treats in the kitchen. I can get one of the Omegas to bring you some."
"Oh, no, thank you," Lily declined politely, her eyes lingering briefly on the mouthwatering bowl of popcorn. "Maybe later. Where is Garrett?"
"He is at the office," Adam answered, his eyes showing a hint of curiosity. "He usually stays overnight before holidays to ensure everything runs smoothly while he's on holiday. Why?"
Lily sat on the comfortable couch next to Adam, and Adam offered his cup of hot cocoa. She took it from him and took a big sip, sighing in relief, not realizing that she needed something soothing.
"Thank you,"
"You looked like you needed it. You've been in your room all day, so I am sure this must be something important to have you so focused. Dinner is already prepared and in the microwave. You will eat, or I will feel the wrath of Garrett for not making sure you are well taken care of," Adam said, his tone leaving no room for debate. "Now, tell me what you are so worked up about. Is it about your sister?"
"Oh no! I am not worried about her at all. I've been racking my brain about Christmas. I want to give Garrett something meaningful that shows how much I appreciate what he has done for me. But I can't find anything. I need your help."
Adam leaned back, his brows furrowing in thought. "Hmm, that is a hard decision, as Garrett usually gets what he wants on his own," he mused, his voice laced with genuine concern.
Adam's wolf, Thad, couldn't help but chime in with a suggestion. "Food would be a perfect gift," Thad said, his voice resonating in Adam's mind. "All males appreciate food from their she-wolves."
It was a beautiful gesture and indicated to the male wolf that the she-wolf was open to courtship. Adam knew Lily wouldn't know that due to her lack of education and inexperience. Doing this would get the ball moving and ensure that they were mated before Spring.
'This will be for their own good,' Adam thought.
'Indeed. The sexual tension between the two has become nauseating,' Thad agreed.
Adam's mischievous grin spread across his face as he locked eyes with Lily. "Garrett loves to eat. Have you noticed any hidden clues around his place?"
Lily's eyes widened with realization. "Now that you mention it, I noticed his kitchen has cookbooks and handwritten recipes. Does he cook?" She asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
Adam frowned at the question, but only for a split second. "No, but..." Adam began, but Lily cut him off with newfound excitement.
"Then, those recipes must be things that Luna Kelly made that he has the Omegas cook for him," Lily exclaimed. "I can just pull from them and surprise him with a homemade meal!"
Excitement surged through Lily's veins as she stood up abruptly and entered the kitchen, Adam following closely behind with his bowl of popcorn. She went to the shelves lined with cookbooks, their pages stained with spices and splatters of ingredients. It was time to investigate further and uncover the perfect recipe.
"What are you going to do? Garrett usually sends the Omegas home on Christmas Eve. I'm sure they would not mind staying over to assist. We can invite their families," Adam suggested.
"No, let them be with their families," Lily responded firmly, her eyes focused on the cookbooks. "I can cook a meal for just Garrett and me. It'll make it more special."
"But, my Luna, that is a lot of work for just one she-wolf, and with only two days, really one day to prepare," Adam argued.
"I have done it before," Lily said.
"What?"
"I have done it before. I would do it when my parents were angry with me. I would be sent to work with the other Omegas to cook the holiday feast, and sometimes I had to do it alone. So, don't worry. I can do this," Lily explained.
Again, Adam was overwhelmed with the sudden urgency to beat Lily's parents for their treatment of her. He shook the feeling off so as not to ruin Lily's excitement. If she wasn't upset, then he wouldn't be upset.
"As you wish, my Luna," Adam acquiesced. "How can I help you?"
"Keep Garrett busy. Don't let him come home until I am finished. This won't work unless it is a full surprise," Lily instructed, and Adam nodded. "Now, let's brainstorm. What can we do to make this experience unforgettable?"